HxH: Apex Predator

"Father, since the forces hired by the Genovese family have already completed most of their mission, does it really matter who they are?

Shouldn't we focus on finding the right opportunity to mediate this conflict instead? Why are you so insistent on investigating the background of this force? How does it impact your plans?"

"Because it directly affects the power dynamics among our family's four subordinate clans in the near future.

I'm beginning to suspect that Tony himself underestimated the power of the card he played.

From his perspective, simply eliminating the leaders of the seven gangs to force their retreat would have sufficed—there was no need for total annihilation."

"What's the difference, Father? Those seven gangs are doomed no matter what, aren't they? Whether we intervene or the Genovese family handles it themselves, those pawns are as good as dead."

"The point isn't whether the seven gangs survive; it's 'how' they are eliminated.

If Tony's original intention was merely to retaliate against Sosa for targeting the Hall family, then things have changed now that he holds such a powerful card in his hand. He'll undoubtedly aim for maximum benefit.

Put yourself in his shoes. Knowing that our Gambino family is preparing to mediate, what would you do?"

At John's question, Gordon fell silent for a few seconds before replying, "If it were me, I wouldn't use that card to attack the Kolobo family directly. That would be foolish.

Not only would it fail to achieve the desired effect, but it could also leave behind evidence that would be difficult to explain to you, Father. "

"Instead, I would look for an opportunity to take a bite out of the Kolobo family before the conflict ends—something significant enough to make Sosa feel the pain."

"I'd have this hired force target one of Kolobo's subordinate clans ranked fourth or fifth. That would be painful enough for Sosa while weakening the Kolobo family, all while keeping himself out of the spotlight.

The cost? Just some money. And since the conflict started because of Sosa, the Kolobo family would have to swallow the loss."

"Exactly. Your thinking is correct, but you've underestimated the power of that card. Tony's likely target isn't Kolobo's fourth or fifth-ranked subordinate clan—it's probably the third or even the second."

"What? Father, are you saying the force Tony hired is that strong?

The seven gangs may sound impressive, but they're far weaker than any of the four subordinate clans under our family. Even against a mid-tier clan like the Solomon family, they'd struggle, let alone someone higher up."

John shook his head and spoke with a measured tone, "Gordon, you're underestimating the power of Nen users.

Take, for example, Bat from our family's Shadow Beast unit. Have you ever seen him go all out?"

"No, I haven't. I only know that he's a member of your elite Shadow Beast unit under the Ten Dons and the strongest fighter in our family."

"And that's precisely why I need to uncover this opposing force's background.

If they're working as a team, it suggests their individual strength is relatively limited. But if a single person has wiped out all seven gangs solo, then even if they're not Bat's equal, they're undoubtedly in the same league."

"What should we do now? We don't know their background or when they'll strike. Without that information, we can't intervene at the best possible moment to maximize our advantage."

"When do you think the best time to intervene would be?"

"I think we should wait until they've begun their assault but haven't completely destroyed Kolobo's subordinate clans.

That way, we can ensure both families suffer losses. Right now, the Hall family is essentially finished."

"To maintain balance between the Genovese and Kolobo families, we should act only after Sosa has taken some significant losses. The destruction of those seven gangs wouldn't faze him at all."

*Clap! Clap! Clap!*

John clapped his hands as he chuckled. "Good, you're improving. If you've reached this level of understanding, it means you're starting to grasp the art of manipulation."

"I've told you before: fighting is for low-level pawns. If you want to be a competent leader, intelligence is your greatest weapon.

Since you understand the need to balance the forces under us, let me ask you this: between the Genovese and Kolobo families, who's stronger?"

"From my perspective, their strengths are about equal. Even if you factor in the other two families, all four of our subordinate clans are roughly on the same level. The differences are minimal.

This balance, of course, is thanks to your efforts, Father. You've ensured no single family grows too powerful while preventing any from becoming too weak."

"You're correct, but you're only looking at the surface level. You've missed the deeper, latent differences.

Between Sosa and Tony, who do you think is stronger?"

"I'd say Tony. No, actually, I'd argue that among the four family heads, Tony is the strongest."

"Exactly. Which is why you need to account for all influencing factors—even the heirs of the four families.

After my time has passed, it's these heirs you'll be dealing with."

"The Kolobo family has been one of the four families since your grandfather's era. Sosa inherited it directly from his father. But Tony?

He led the Genovese family into the ranks of the four families through his own efforts. There's a vast difference between a founder and a mere steward."

"If Tony weren't older than me and likely to precede me in death, I'd worry about him being too much for you to handle, forcing me to clear the path for you early.

Now, back to the topic at hand. If things proceed as they are, Tony will emerge as the ultimate winner of this conflict."

"To counter this, we must aid the Kolobo family before their subordinate clans suffer irreparable damage.

I want you to select two of our top-tier fighters and send them to support Kolobo's third-ranked subordinate clan—the Philips family.

Meanwhile, I'll dispatch Bat directly to assist Kolobo's second-ranked subordinate clan—the Medici family."